Board approves turf replacement contract with Midwest Sports & Turf Systems, staff cite fundraising and eight‑year warranty

The Maple School District School Board voted on March 18 to accept staff’s recommendation to award the athletic‑field turf replacement contract to Midwest Sports & Turf Systems, after a presentation on bids, warranty terms and schedule.

District staff and a construction representative told the board they received five bids; two vendors were at the low price point and Midwest Sports & Turf Systems offered color end zones and sideline features at no additional cost. Staff recommended Midwest based on price and value‑added options and reported a base bid of about $450,700.

"Our recommendation would be to go with Midwest Sports and Turf Systems," the district project lead said during the presentation. Staff explained a 5% contingency would be held on the project to cover unforeseen conditions, described a required eight‑year third‑party insured warranty and said liquidated damages and contract language would address schedule risk.

Fundraising and timing: board members were told staff and private partners are pursuing private fundraising to offset costs. The district projected a construction window that spans late June/July, with removal of old turf and installation expected to take roughly three weeks; staff aimed to have the field ready for fall activities and discussed starting the week after Memorial Day if scheduling allows.

Board action and next steps: the board made a motion to approve the recommendation and carried the motion in a roll‑call vote. District staff said they will finalize the contract and work with the vendor on construction scheduling and coordination for disposal of old turf.

What remains unresolved: staff discussed whether any salvage value exists for the removed turf and said removal/disposal logistics are typically coordinated with third parties; board members asked about warranty depreciation and staff said the warranty is not depreciated over its term but includes defined coverage items. The board did not adopt additional project scope changes at the meeting; staff will return to the board with final contract documents as appropriate.

The vote concluded the turf agenda item and staff said they will follow up with fundraising updates and a construction timeline.